St Andrews, the mecca for golf lovers the world over, is set to become the mecca for gin lovers with the news that it will showcase the first week-long celebration of Scottish gin-making later this year.
The announcement was made yesterday by Paul Miller, the MD of the town’s Eden Mill Distillery.
Eden Mill will host the event which will include a series of activities involving at least seven top Scottish craft gin makers.
Miller said “Scottish distilleries are leading the way throughout the world in the development of great tasting, innovative and exciting craft gins. It is a privilege for us to able to showcase these in such a great setting”.
Gins from all over Scotland will feature ranging from Crossbill in Argyle to Pickerings in Edinburgh, from Strathearn to Rock Rose from Dunnet.
The licensed trade and hoteliers in the St Andrews area are backing the initiative and will feature unique Scottish gin menu’s and cocktail recipes for the entire week.
Paul was speaking at a golf event to launch Eden Mill’s latest craft gin.
Paul said: “St Andrews is recognised throughout the world as the Home of Golf. From today we hope it will also be known as the home of Golf Gin.
“Inspired by an age-old golfing tradition, we have created a modern day classic.
“It follows the recent incredible success of our small batch, Love and Hop gins.
Lead distiller Scott Ferguson revealed how the new gin’s taste was influenced by the ancient methods used by makers of golf clubs.
He said: "We were looking to achieve a refreshing yet interesting summer gin with layers of flavour, ideal for the season, a gin for the town to be proud of as it welcomes thousands of visitors for the Open Golf Championship in July.”
“Alongside the classic gin botanicals of juniper, coriander seed, angelica and liquorice root we included a mix of lemongrass, lime peel, red mustard, camomile and rhubarb root.
“But for that bit of extra spice we included some hickory wood in with the botanicals”.
“Our friends at the St. Andrews Golf Club company, who make fantastic traditional hickory golf clubs, inspired us with that idea and we are so delighted with the outcome we decided to name it Golf Gin.”
Golf Gin comes in a limited edition run of 10,000 in traditional white ceramic bottles and will be available immediately to purchase online.
It will be in specialist shops from June 1st and will be available first for public 22nd May to 25th May at the Ideal Homes Show in Glasgow.
